U.S. Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Stop Funding for Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints

On May 7, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) introduced H.R. 1861 to prohibit the U.S. Transportation Department from providing funds to state and local authorities for motorcycle-only checkpoints. The bill, called the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act, also includes language that demands U.S. transportation officials focus motorcycle safety efforts on crash prevention programs rather than national helmet mandates

A U.S. lawmaker has introduced a bill to not only end funding for
motorcycle-only checkpoints but also to put more emphasis on motorcycle
safety programs, the American Motorcyclist Association reports.

On
May 7, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) introduced H.R. 1861 to
prohibit the U.S. Transportation Department from providing funds to
state and local authorities for motorcycle-only checkpoints. The bill,
called the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act, also includes
language that demands U.S. transportation officials focus motorcycle
safety efforts on crash prevention programs rather than national helmet
mandates.

"Current law states that highway safety plans must
prevent accidents and reduce injuries," Sensenbrenner said. "The Stop
Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act would require highway safety plans to
include programs that prevent accidents in order to reduce injuries and
deaths resulting from accidents involving motor vehicles and
motorcycles.

"This small change will make a significant impact
because it highlights that preventing accidents is the best way to save
motorcyclists’ lives," he said.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.